A recent Johnson Utilities newsletter published statements made by the law firm of Jennings, Haug and Cunningham. These lawyers are paid by a large real estate investment company to oppose the Florence Copper Project. Their letter is written to serve the interests of their clients only, and is not part of the formal administrative review process currently underway at the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.
Unfortunately, the tactics used by these lawyers and echoed by Johnson Utilities are deceptive to the local community. Florence Copper will continue to be a reliable source of facts for people interested in the project. We will remain committed to working with state and federal regulators, respond to agency requirements, and follow the process set out in law. The rigorous state and federal regulatory review processes are ongoing, but we are nearing the final permitting stages for a Production Test Facility.
What’s important to remember: We cannot and will not operate unless these state and federal agencies determine that it can be done to the highest environmental regulatory standards.
In order to operate our test facility, we need to complete the regulatory process:
Federal Permit – Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
State Permit – Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)
We will keep you up-to-date on our progress.
We will keep you informed about the details of the public comment period for our state permit. We will also inform you as soon as our final federal permit is issued.
We are still on track to open an in-situ copper recovery facility thanks to your support and participation in the regulatory review process. The state and federal decision-makers who are tasked with protecting the environment will determine whether this project can safely operate in Florence. Your patience is appreciated as we continue to work through the processes required by law.
It’s no surprise that Johnson Utilities and Southwest Value Partners choose to engage in these kinds of tactics when the facts don’t support their position. We expect that these attacks will grow more desperate as we move closer to opening the test facility.
If you’d like to learn more about the project or discuss the permits in more detail, please stop by the Florence Copper Community Center on Main Street anytime. The public is also welcome to join our weekly Coffee Club on Thursdays at 10 AM to discuss the project and the benefits it can provide to the area for all residents. Let’s keep the conversation going using reliable and accurate information.
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